RHINELANDER - Filling up your tank may be taking a toll on your wallet this week as gas prices go up for the seventeenth day in a row.

In Saturday's Weekly Address, President Obama discusses the pain Americans are experencing at the pump.

"You know there are no quick fixes to this problem, and you know we can't just drill our way to lower gas prices. We need to keep developing the technology that allows us to use less oil in our cars and trucks; in our buildings and plants. That's the strategy we're pursuing," Obama said.


Since the President has taken office, gas prices have nearly doubled, according to statistics.

AAA said the national average price of gasoline is $3.65 per gallon and in some areas, like in the Northwoods, the prices are higher.

At gas stations in Rhinelander, prices are $3.69.

With gas prices on the rise, local drivers say they're cutting back on spending in other areas to compensate.

"We cut down on a lot of extra stuff like the entertainment things. We spend a lot of extra time at home," said Becca Lehmkuhl.

To fill up her mini van with regular gas, Becca Lehmkul told Newswatch 12's Jenn Sullivan it cost her $63, which she said is far more than she's used to paying.

But these high prices are affecting more than just drivers, it's taking a toll on recreational activities like snowmobiling.

One Shell station customer paid $29 dollars to fill up his snowmobile. The man would not give his name but said these high prices aren't stopping him from driving up to the U-P to snowmobile. However, come July, when prices are predicted to jump to $5 a gallon, he said he won't be able to travel nearly as much.

Some analysts say tensions over Iran are to blame for the rise in gas prices.
Whatever the reason, experts say the only way to lower the prices would be to cut gas tax.

Story By: Jenn Sullivan